Understanding Jesus’ Mission
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is asked two critical questions that reveal the heart of his mission. The first question comes from the scribes, who ask, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mark 2:16). The second question comes from the people, who ask, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” (Mark 2:18). These questions may seem unrelated, but they both get at the same issue: what kind of people does Jesus associate with, and why?
Jesus’ Answer
Jesus responds to the scribes’ question with a proverb: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). In this statement, Jesus reveals his mission as a doctor who has come to heal the spiritually sick. He is not interested in associating with those who think they are already healthy; instead, he seeks out those who know they are in need of help.
Implications for Us
This passage has several implications for us today. First, it reminds us that Jesus is not a respecter of persons. He does not care about our social status or our perceived righteousness. Instead, he seeks out those who are humble and recognize their need for him.
Second, this passage encourages us to employ incarnational tactics in our ministry. Just as Jesus hung out with tax collectors and sinners, we should be intentional about going to places where people are in need of spiritual healing.
Finally, this passage reminds us that Jesus alone sovereignly saves. We cannot save ourselves or others; only Jesus can bring light to our darkness and give us the knowledge of God’s glory.
Living Out This Verse
So how can we live out this verse in our daily lives? Here are a few suggestions:
- Be intentional about associating with people who are different from you. This might mean volunteering at a local soup kitchen or participating in a community outreach program.
- Recognize your own need for spiritual healing. None of us are perfect, and we all need Jesus’ forgiveness and restoration.
- Trust in Jesus’ sovereignty to save. We cannot save ourselves or others; only Jesus can bring light to our darkness and give us the knowledge of God’s glory.
Conclusion
In Mark 2:17, Jesus reveals his mission as a doctor who has come to heal the spiritually sick. This passage reminds us that Jesus is not a respecter of persons, that we should employ incarnational tactics in our ministry, and that Jesus alone sovereignly saves. As we seek to live out this verse in our daily lives, may we remember our own need for spiritual healing and trust in Jesus’ sovereignty to save.
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